Downtown Residents Association

Redesign of Municipal Auditorium seen as 'beacon'

Feb 25, 2009

Redesign of Municipal Auditorium seen as 'beacon'

By Jennifer Hiller - Express-News

The 1920s-era Municipal Auditorium would become a driver for more foot traffic, restaurants and street life when it becomes the Bexar County Performing Arts Center in a few years, according to a recently completed program study.

While the auditorium sits on the far edge of the River Walk now, it will be in a central location once the river extension opens in May and could help energize downtown.

?“Economic development is at the core,?” said J. Bruce Bugg Jr., who heads the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation, the nonprofit overseeing the redesign.

Foundation board members Tuesday approved the program study by Boora Architects of Portland, Ore.

The firm led a team of theater, acoustical and operational consultants in a use and site assessment, which included feedback from 40 arts, community and education organizations.

The program study would retain the building's iconic stone-front facade and its historic lobby.

But the existing building would become the structural frame for the new performing arts venue. A 1,850-seat proscenium theater for ballet, opera, symphony and other kinds of performances would be dropped into the existing concert space. A 250-seat studio theater and a rehearsal room would also be included.

A higher roofline is needed to allow enough volume for good acoustics, and the wall-like back of the building would be opened up with glass so that visitors could get a view of the river and those on the river could glimpse what's happening in the performing arts center. A monumental staircase would lead from the river level to the center.

?“The building, instead of being so dark, becomes a beacon,?” said Amy Donohue, principal with Boora.

The program design is conceptual ?— not what the building necessarily will look like.

The foundation plans to hire a project manager this spring and announce a design architecture firm by June.

Consultant Bud Franks said the study anticipates 230,000 to 250,000 attendees a year, with enough revenue from rentals, concessions and events to be ?“looking at a situation that could potentially be a break-even?” at opening.

Voters last May approved extending the venue tax on hotel rooms and rental cars to fund a variety of projects, including $100 million for a performing arts center.

Another $32 million will come from private fundraising ?— something the foundation says can be accomplished despite the economy.

?“It's a tough environment. There's no doubt about it,?” said Bugg. ?“But we're starting with the wind at our backs.?”